6 “Unknown” Dog Friendly Trails Near Seattle

Summer is finally here in Seattle. It’s time to start setting your sights on goals for the season. For instance….getting out to hike with your dog more.

If you are a Seattle local, or did a little online research of the area, you probably know some of the area’s most famous hiking trails: Mount Si, Little Si , Rattlesnake Ledge , Lake Twentytwo, Wallace Falls, Tiger Mountain, Twin Falls, etc. These trials can see hundreds of hikers a day in the summer.

However, there are several hiking gems that offer more solitude with the same beauty. These trails don’t get much coverage in hiking books or trail websites so they are relatively unknown…..or at least a lot less traveled.

Although these northwest hikes are dog-friendly, please note that they must be leashed at all times.

Red Top Lookout – This half-day hike offers one of the best mountaintop views for relatively little effort. This 2-mile, gently (the first half) to moderately (the second half) rolling trail leads to the recently restored Red Top Fire Lookout and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This is a good hike for rock hounds because, if you look close, you might find thunder eggs or agates around the lookout. The weather on the trail tends to be dry when it’s rainy in Seattle but be careful because it can get hot when Seattle is getting sun. This hike is best in late summer when the snow is melted. Otherwise it is an extra long, steep hike from the road. A NW Forest Service Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

Spruce Railroad Trail – This trail, located inside the Olympic National Park, is one of the only National Park trails open to dogs in the state. The trail itself if definitely not unknown but the fact that you can bring leashed dogs on this trail is. This 8 mile (round trip), gently rolling trail offers amazing views of Lake Crescent, one of the deepest lakes in the State. If you are traveling on the cheap it is great to note that unlike almost every other area managed by National Parks, no entry fee is required to access this trailhead. This low elevation hike is good all year round.

Kelcema Lake – This hike offers a backcountry, sub-alpine-lake feel without all the sweating. You drive most the way and then hike less than a mile to the lake. Camping spots are available around the lake so this is a great place to set your sights on as your first overnight backpack trip with your dog. The access road off the Mountain Loop Highway is rough, but should be accessible to most passenger cars. It’s a good late summer hike after snow is melted. Before that the road to the trailhead is not accessible. A NW forest pass required to park at the trailhead.

Barclay Lake – This gentle and easy 2-mile (one way) hike sits at a lower elevation than most trails in the area so what little snow it does get melts out early in the season. The lake itself sits snug between Merchant Peak and Baring Mountain, an awesome pair of imposing peaks. These mountains are well-known landmarks visible from much of the Skykomish Valley, but they are truly stunning when viewed from the lake. You literally look straight up one of the almost sheer walls. A NW forest pass required to park at the trailhead.

Tonga Ridge – This easy ridge hike sits on the edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The melting snow in late spring gives way to beautiful wildflower meadows and extensive huckleberry patches all along this trail. If you are lucky you might even see a bear picking through the berries. The main destination is the open meadow at the base of Mount Sawyer, which is a great place to camp. However, you can wander down the way trail to Fish Lake or climb the last, steep mile up Mount Sawyer to the old fire lookout site and enjoy awesome views into the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Mount Rainier. This trail is 6 miles round trip and a NW Forest Service Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

Cedar Butte – This 3-mile trail may be the least visited in the Snoqualmie Pass corridor. This butte’s lack of popularity, though, has more to do with its lack of publicity than its lack of scenery. Once at the summit you can enjoy the expansive views to the north of peaks such as Mount Si and Mailbox Peak. This is a Washington state park so currently no passes are required to park at the trailhead. However, as of July 1, 2011 a Discover Pass will be required. Discover Passes can be purchased for $10/day or $30 for an annual pass.UPDATE: One of our readers had this to say about the Cedar Butte trail “While the views once you reach the summit are spectacular and very much worthwhile, “fairly easy” is not the case…fairly challenging is more accurate.”. Please note that “relatively easy” is just that – relative to my experience of the trail compared to other trails in the area and my hiking experience. I fully acknowledge that one person’s “relatively easy” may be difficult to someone else.

The classic, famous trails in the area are must-sees if you haven’t been but if you are in the mood for something a little different I suggest you try one of these dog friendly trails.

FYI: In regards to the Cedar Butte Trail… “fairly easy hike” is not what I would describe this as. I hiked it today with my boyfriend and doggy, Teddybear. While the views once you reach the summit are spectacular and very much worthwhile, “fairly easy” is not the case…fairly challenging is more accurate. Happy hiking with your pooches!

Thanks for the feedback. I have not hiked the trail myself so I was going off trail descriptions. My impression is that the trail was very much like the Rattlesnake Ledge trail which, to me, is “relatively easy” compared to other trails in the Cascade mountains. However, I learned long ago that one person’s “relatively easy” can be another persons “death march up a mountain” 🙂 I will update the description to reflect that you found this trail challenging. Thanks.

I found your blog after taking my mini-weiner Sadie for a 4 mile walk one day. I was concerned …how far is too far? I was relieved to read your blog and realize my 3 year little girl is capable for 3.5 miles – no sweat. I now take her every morning on my workout walk without worry as long as the temperature is cool. She is always game to go and let’s me know if she is getting tired (usually if it warms up). I pick her up and carry her for a couple of minutes and then she is ready to go again.

In a couple of years Sadie and I will be traveling all over the Northwest in my RV. I am really excited to know she can hike with me. Loved finding your blog!!

love this list! it’s worth noting the road to kelcema lake is washed out about 2 miles from the trailhead. you can park at the washout and hike up the road at a gentle grade but mileage is 6+ round trip.

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I am just a passionate pet parent that shares a lot of information on this blog. Some of it is researched facts; some of it is stuff I learned through the experience of owning and hiking with a Dachshund for 10 years; and some of it is just good ol' opinion. Please check with your veterinarian before your dog undertakes a new exercise routine, you introduce a new food, treat or supplement, or to confirm that anything I suggest here is a good fit for your dog.

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